Michael Jackson’s Iconic Sock Fetches Nearly $9,000 at Auction

A unique piece of music history has recently captured the attention of collectors and fans alike. A dirty white sock worn by the legendary Michael Jackson during a performance in Nîmes, France, in 1997, sold for €7,688 (approximately $8,911) at an auction house on Wednesday. This rhinestone-studded sock was originally part of Jackson’s extravagant wardrobe during his acclaimed HIStory World Tour.

The sock, which bears stains from its time on stage, was discovered by a technician backstage following Jackson’s performance. It remained preserved in a frame for nearly three decades. According to the auctioneer, Aurore Illy, “It really is an exceptional object — even a cult one for Michael Jackson fans,” as she spoke to AFP about the item’s significance.

Memorabilia Market Thrives Despite Controversy

The HIStory World Tour spanned 35 countries and featured 82 shows, solidifying Jackson’s status as a global icon. Footage from the tour highlights his performance of “Billie Jean” while wearing this very sock. Despite initial auction estimates of €3,000 to €4,000, the final sale price nearly doubled expectations, underscoring the enduring appeal of Jackson’s memorabilia.

Jackson’s legacy is complex, marked by both his groundbreaking contributions to music and ongoing controversies stemming from longstanding child molestation allegations, which he and his estate have consistently denied. Nevertheless, the market for his memorabilia continues to flourish.

In recent years, collectors have paid substantial sums for items linked to the King of Pop. A Macau casino acquired the iconic glittery glove he wore during his first televised moonwalk in 1983 for $350,000 in 2009. Additionally, in 2023, a Paris buyer purchased a fedora worn by Jackson for over $80,000, while a black-and-white leather jacket from his 1984 Pepsi advertisement sold for an impressive $306,000.

Enduring Legacy of a Pop Icon

Michael Jackson passed away in 2009 at the age of 50 due to a fatal drug overdose. Despite the controversies surrounding his life and career, his influence on music and popular culture remains profound. The sock auction not only reflects the ongoing interest in Jackson’s legacy but also highlights how his artifacts continue to resonate with fans and collectors around the world.

As the auction results demonstrate, items associated with Jackson are not just collectibles; they are pieces of a larger narrative that continues to unfold in the realm of entertainment history.